Sale of multimillion-dollar T rex skeleton is big headache for scientists
Summary
A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named “Gus” is being auctioned in New York with an estimated price of $20 million to $30 million. Scientists are concerned because fossils sold to private buyers may become unavailable for study, which can hurt scientific research.Key Facts
- The T rex skeleton is about 67 million years old and stands 3.8 meters tall.
- It was found on private land in South Dakota and excavated from 2021 over three years.
- The skeleton is expected to sell for $20 million to $30 million at Sotheby’s auction.
- High auction prices make it difficult for museums and scientists to acquire fossils.
- In the USA, fossils found on private land can legally be sold by their owners.
- Some scientists worry that fossils sold privately are lost to public research.
- A stegosaurus named Apex was sold for $44.6 million and loaned to a museum afterward.
- Previous famous T rex fossils, like Sue, were bought by museums with private and corporate support.
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